Significant Increase in Asian Lion Population Celebrated in Gujarat

Gujarat has reported a remarkable increase in its Asian lion population, rising from 674 to 891, a milestone celebrated by Prime Minister Modi and local officials. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav hailed this growth as a historic success in wildlife conservation, attributing it to Project Lion and the leadership of Modi. The initiative aims to ensure the long-term survival of Asian lions through strategic habitat management and community involvement. With new recruitment of beat guards and significant budget allocation, the project is set to enhance conservation efforts further. This achievement not only highlights Gujarat's commitment to wildlife protection but also positions India as a global leader in conservation.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2025, 10:42 IST

Celebrating the Rise of Asian Lions

The pride of the nation and the glory of Gujarat have received a boost with the increase in the number of Asian lions. This positive news has piqued the interest of Prime Minister Modi. The Gujarat government has released new and updated figures regarding the lion population, which have brought immense joy to PM Modi. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of Gujarat has also expressed his happiness over this development.

A Historic Achievement in Wildlife Conservation

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav celebrated the remarkable growth in India's lion population, which has surged from 674 in 2020 to 891. He referred to this as a "historic success" in wildlife conservation. In a post on social media, Yadav credited the prioritization of Project Lion and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and as the Prime Minister of India, for achieving this milestone.

Acknowledging Collective Efforts

He congratulated forest officials, wildlife enthusiasts, and environmental advocates for their roles in this success. Yadav urged everyone to continue working towards a developed India where both wildlife and humans can thrive. He stated, "It is heartening to know that the lion population in India has increased from 674 in 2020 to 891. This remarkable success in conservation is due to the dedicated efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has prioritized Project Lion throughout his career."

Commitment to Wildlife Protection

In line with this shared vision, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed heartfelt gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's perspective and ongoing support for wildlife conservation. He remarked, "Honorable Prime Minister, I sincerely thank you for your vision and continuous encouragement in protecting the Asian lion and other wildlife. Your guidance has raised unprecedented awareness about lion conservation among locals and tourists alike. Project Lion has become a cornerstone in creating an ecosystem for the protection and enhancement of lions. Gujarat is committed to working energetically with the central government to advance these efforts seamlessly."

Prime Minister Modi's Enthusiastic Response

Patel also praised the commitment shown by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and thanked everyone involved in making Project Lion a success. Responding to CM Patel's post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his excitement on social media, stating: "This is thrilling news! I am delighted to see that the efforts under 'Project Lion' are not only providing a suitable environment for lions in Gujarat but also ensuring their protection." The Union Environment Ministry has approved a budget of ₹2,927.71 crores for Project Lion aimed at conserving Asian lions.

Transformative Initiative for Lion Conservation

Project Lion is a transformative initiative dedicated to the conservation and expansion of the Asian lion population, ensuring their long-term survival through strategic habitat management and community involvement. It encompasses a wide range of strategies, including habitat and population management, wildlife health, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, local community engagement, tourism development, scientific research, training, ecological development, and biodiversity conservation.

Strengthening Lion Conservation Efforts

To bolster lion conservation, 237 beat guards (162 men and 75 women) will be recruited in 2024. They will patrol protected areas, prevent conflicts, and safeguard lion habitats. Additionally, 92 rescue vehicles have been deployed to ensure rapid emergency response for wildlife, along with timely medical care. To reduce human-wildlife conflict, 11,000 watchtowers have been constructed to help farmers protect their crops while ensuring safety and coexistence with lions. A significant safety measure includes the construction of parapet walls around 55,108 open wells to prevent wildlife falls, reduce mortality rates, and protect animals and water sources. The launch of Project Lion marks a historic moment in India's conservation journey. Led by Gujarat, this initiative will ensure the long-term survival and welfare of Asian lions, strengthening India's position as a global leader in wildlife conservation.